​Black bodies have been sexually oppressed and repressed from slavery to current media depictions. We’ve been told that we’re asexual, hypersexual, sexual deviants, a sexual fantasy, and unrapable. These messages are often internalized and leave us feeling as though we are unlovable, unworthy, and devalued. These, along with other oppressive beliefs and systems, are in place to minimize our political, social, economic, and personal agency. Despite this, we believe that we can resist and reclaim our agency by rebuilding our relationship with our bodies. In Uses of the Erotic, Audre Lorde talks about the oppressor corrupting our individual erotic power, a source of knowledge that can "provide energy for change". As we work towards individual, communal, and structural change we want to provide tools that empower you to connect, deepen, and grow your erotic power, and source of knowledge within you. Reclaiming our relationship to sexual pleasure serves this movement towards Black liberation as: 1) Sexual pleasure helps relieve the tension that we carry in our bodies as a result of navigating this oppressive system 2) sexual pleasure helps us to heal from trauma and reclaim agency over our body 3) sexual pleasure deepens our connection, vulnerability, and intimacy with our lovers and partners 4) moving away from a fear and shamed based relationship with sexuality toward a healthy, loving, and pleasure based relationship. Through this framework towards liberation we no longer accept a life of fear and survival, but demand freedom that is rooted in pleasure and thriving.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

​Join Afrosexology as we collectively unpack unhealthy beliefs that restrict us from being free in our bodiesand living our most pleasurable life. Whether you’re here for the people you work with, for the people inyour life, or for yourself, we want to help you explore and reclaim your Black erotic and sexual power.Through group discussions, interactive activities, and self-reflection, you will be able to:​ • Explore two (2) ways that self-empowerment is connected with Black sexual liberation. • Describe three (3) benefits of pleasure-centered sexuality. • Create a plan of action that reclaims their Black sexuality.